A BID to establish a professional rugby league club in New York has moved a step closer, along with a possible re-location of Hemel to North America.
A business plan on behalf of a New York consortium was lodged with the Rugby Football League (RFL) by Huddersfield entrepreneur Ricky Wilby 18 months ago and will now be considered by Championship and League One clubs.
The RFL is also considering a move by Toronto founder Eric Perez to relocate Hemel following his successful takeover of the Southern Conference club.
An RFL spokesman confirmed the governing body's board considered the two applications at last week's meeting.
A statement said: "Both applications are judged to have the potential to help deliver the RFL's strategic vision.
"They are at different stages, but a degree of further due diligence and assessment is required on both to ensure that the financial and business plans presented are deliverable.
"In addition, the board recognises the importance of further expansion having the support of the other clubs.
"Accordingly, the board has asked each of the consortia to present to, and take questions from, the existing Betfred Championship and League One clubs, after which the RFL will gauge support."
Both Wilby and Perez have ambitions to reach Super League with their clubs but are happy to start at League One level, just as Toronto did with great success.
Perez remains a shareholder of the Wolfpack but no longer has any active involvement.
Despite lengthy delays, Wilby still hopes to enter League One in 2020.
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